Rural Reinterpretations

Harry Bunce’s practice includes painting, screen-printing, collage, stencilling, street art, transfer printing, poster design and reclamation. We speak with the UK-based artist about the British countryside, his latest work and looking forward to the rest of 2018.

A: How does the British landscape and its flora and fauna affect your work? Is there something specific about the Hampshire countryside that inspires you?

HB: I think the environment will inevitably flavour your work to some degree. I grew up in a British rural environment, and was taught to love and respect it, so it’s always there somewhere in my work. If I was from a Japanese city for example I’m sure the work would look different.

The bit of Hampshire I’m from has chalk streams and rolling valleys, the ground is full of chalk and flints and it feels sort of ‘open’ compared to were I now live in Somerset. I now really like using chalk paint because I have an odd connection with chalk.

I would also say the people have inspired me; someone from the countryside will generally tell you what they really think about a piece of art and they can be quite conservative, so you have to be strong.

A: Where are you happiest – in the studio or the countryside?

HB: My studio is in the countryside, so I’d better be very happy.

A: How do your previous studies in Fashion and Textile Design inform your processes in the studio?

HB: Honestly, not much that I’m aware of. I do sometimes start to think of repeating an image like you would for a textile design but I resist it.

A: The Sorry… project has thus far included painting, screen-printing, collage, stencilling, street art, transfer printing, poster design and reclamation. Is the Listen collection the latest phase of the project? Will you explore the project further?

HB: No – Listen is basically a screen-print piece. Sorry… is an openended project and yes, I’m keen to get the next stage underway. I’m looking at some very interesting processes.

A: As part of a busy year, you will exhibit your work at the Affordable Art Fair London Hampstead – which pieces will you show?

HB: I have a great relationship with Bristol-based Clifton Fine Art who are taking some pieces to Hampstead. They will be showing Bedlam’s Copse which actually takes its title from a dark area of woodland on the edge of the Hampshire village I grew up in.

A: What do you have planned for the rest of the year?

HB: One thing I’m particulary looking forward to is Upfest in Bristol in July. It’s Europe’s biggest Street Art festival, I will be attempting to introduce a little bit of the countryside!